suspension GMC SONOMA 2004 Owner's Manual

After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has collected on the
underbody, chassis or under the hood. These
accumulations can be a fire hazard.
After operation in mud or sand, have the brake linings
cleaned and checked. These substances can cause
glazing and uneven braking. Check the body structure,
steering, suspension, wheels, tires and exhaust
system for damage. Also, check the fuel lines and
cooling system for any leakage.
Your vehicle will require more frequent service due to
off-road use. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
for additional information.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving.
One reason is that some drivers are likely to be
impaired — by alcohol or drugs, with night vision
problems, or by fatigue.
4-27

The Certification/Tire label also tells you the maximum
weights for the front and rear axles, called Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). To find out the actual loads
on your front and rear axles, you need to go to a
weigh station and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can
help you with this. Be sure to spread out your load
equally on both sides of the centerline.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the GAWR
for either the front or rear axle.
If you do have a heavy load, you should spread it out.
Similar appearing vehicles may have different GVWRs
and payloads. Please note your vehicle’s
Certification/Tire label or consult your dealer for
additional details.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, and it can change the way your vehicle
handles. These could cause you to lose
control and crash. Also, overloading can
shorten the life of your vehicle.
Using heavier suspension components to get added
durability might not change your weight ratings. Ask your
dealer to help you load your vehicle the right way.
Notice:Overloading your vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Do not overload your vehicle.
If you put things inside your vehicle–like suitcases,
tools, packages, or anything else–they will go as fast as
the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly,
or if there is a crash, they’ll keep going.
4-50

Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
Don’t use tire chains. There’s not enough
clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle without
the proper amount of clearance can cause
damage to the brakes, suspension or other
vehicle parts. The area damaged by the tire
chains could cause you to lose control of your
vehicle and you or others may be injured in a
crash. Use another type of traction device only
if its manufacturer recommends it for use on
your vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it’s contacting your vehicle, and don’t
spin your wheels. If you do nd traction devices
that will t, install them on the rear tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to “blowout” while you’re driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you’d use
in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.
5-74

Maintenance Schedule......................................6-2
Introduction...................................................6-2
Maintenance Requirements..............................6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................6-2
How This Section is Organized.........................6-3
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services...........6-4
Using Your Maintenance Schedule....................6-4
Selecting the Right Schedule...........................6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance..............6-6
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance......6-17
Part B: Owner Checks and Services................6-25
At Each Fuel Fill..........................................6-25
At Least Once a Month.................................6-25
At Least Twice a Year...................................6-26
At Least Four Times a Year...........................6-27At Least Once a Year...................................6-27
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections.........6-30
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection............................6-30
Exhaust System Inspection............................6-30
Fuel System Inspection..................................6-30
Engine Cooling System Inspection...................6-30
Throttle System Inspection.............................6-31
Transfer Case and Front Axle (Four-Wheel
Drive) Inspection.......................................6-31
Brake System Inspection................................6-31
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants. . . .6-32
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts..........6-34
Engine Drive Belt Routing..............................6-35
Part E: Maintenance Record...........................6-36
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
6-1

Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
#Lubricate the front suspension, ball joints, steering
linkage, parking brake cable guides, propshaft splines,
universal joints, constant velocity joint and brake
pedal springs.
+A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See Brake System Inspection on page 6-31.
**Drive axle service. See Part D: Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-32 for proper lubricant
to use:
•Check uid level and add uid as needed. If driving
in dusty areas or when towing a trailer, drain uid
and rell every 15,000 miles (25 000 km).
•If your vehicle has a locking differential, drain uid
and rell at rst engine oil change.
•More frequent lubrication may be required for
heavy-duty or off-road use.
3,000 Miles (5 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs first).(See footnote #.)
❑Check rear/front axle fluid level and add fluid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.(See footnote **.)
6,000 Miles (10 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs first).(See footnote #.)
❑Check rear/front axle fluid level and add fluid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.(See Footnote **.)
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-68for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
6-7

99,000 Miles (165 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs first).(See footnote #.)
❑Check rear/front axle fluid level and add fluid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.(See footnote **.)
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
❑Inspect spark plug wires.An Emission Control
Service.
❑Replace spark plugs.An Emission Control Service.
❑If you have not used your vehicle under severe
service conditions listed previously and, therefore,
have not changed your automatic transmission fluid,
change both the fluid and filter.
❑Inspect Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve.
An Emission Control Service.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
❑Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every
60 months since last service, whichever occurs first).
SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-23for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap and neck. Pressure test cooling system and
pressure cap.An Emission Control Service.
❑Inspect engine accessory drive belt.An Emission
Control Service.
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled
Maintenance
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be repeated after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) at the same intervals for the life of
this vehicle. The services shown at 150,000 miles
(240 000 km) should be repeated at the same interval
after 150,000 miles (240 000 km) for the life of this
vehicle.
SeePart B: Owner Checks and Services on page 6-25
andPart C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections on
page 6-30.
Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
#Lubricate the front suspension, ball joints, steering
linkage, parking brake cable guides, propshaft splines,
universal joints, constant velocity joint and brake
pedal springs.
6-17

Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall).You should let your dealer’s
service department do these jobs. Make sure any
necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. SeeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-11.
Steering, Suspension and Front
Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust
on page 2-29.
Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.
6-30

To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
the Washington, D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from the hotline.
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Tower C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
Reporting Safety Defects to General
Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-GMC-8782 (1-800-462-8782), or
write:
Pontiac-GMC Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33172
Detroit, MI 48232-5172
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
7-11

Inspection (cont.)
Exhaust System..........................................6-30
Fuel System...............................................6-30
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-30
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal.........................................6-30
Throttle System...........................................6-31
Transfer Case and Front Axle
(Four-Wheel Drive)...................................6-31
Installing a Garage Door Opener.......................2-34
Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-22
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-15
Instrument Panel Fuse Block............................5-96
Interior Lamps................................................3-15
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-41
K
Key Lock Cylinders Service..............................6-27
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-4
Keys............................................................... 2-2
L
Lamps
Exterior......................................................3-11
Interior.......................................................3-15
Lamps On Reminder.......................................3-13
Lap Belt........................................................1-21
Lap-Shoulder Belt...........................................1-14
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-39
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-41
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-10
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running . . . 2-27
Light
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-25
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-28
Brake System Warning.................................3-27
Charging System.........................................3-26
Check Gages Warning.................................3-34
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-35
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-29
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-24
Security.....................................................3-33
Service Four-Wheel-Drive Warning Light.........3-33
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-45
Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving..........4-14
8

Locking Rear Axle............................................ 4-8
Lockout Protection..........................................2-10
Locks
Door........................................................... 2-7
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-10
Lockout Protection.......................................2-10
Power Door.................................................. 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-8
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-10
Long Trip/Highway Definition.............................. 6-6
Long Trip/Highway Intervals............................... 6-6
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance........6-17
Loss of Control...............................................4-13
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-35
Luggage Carrier..............................................2-40
Lumbar
Power Controls............................................. 1-4
M
Maintenance Schedule
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-25
At Least Four Times a Year..........................6-27
At Least Once a Month................................6-25
At Least Once a Year..................................6-27
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-26
Brake System Inspection..............................6-31
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-30
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-30Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Fuel System Inspection................................6-30
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance.....6-17
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts.........6-34
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.............6-25
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections......6-30
Part D - Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants...............................................6-32
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-36
Selecting the Right Schedule.......................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance............. 6-6
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..........................6-30
Throttle System Inspection............................6-31
Transfer Case and Front Axle (Four-Wheel
Drive) Inspection......................................6-31
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-63
Making Turns.................................................4-61
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-29
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Manual Windows............................................2-12
Manually Closing the Sunroof...........................2-43
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-5
9